10 Best First Aid Kits

We never know what life may throw at us, but we can at least be prepared. A first aid kit is an essential item that many of us don’t think of until it’s too late. Having the best first aid kit possible on hand—at home, in the car, or in your hiking pack—makes all the difference in an emergency. A good first aid kit no longer means a small bag with a few plasters and painkillers. Nowadays, first aid kits are well-stocked, clearly labeled, and easy to use. And they won’t break the bank. Even the best first aid kits are surprisingly economical, so there’s no reason to avoid making a small investment that could save your life. Choose from our list of the best first aid kits so you’ll be prepared for whatever life throws at you.

Our top pick is this 326-item kit by Be Smart Get Prepared and TRI, a trusted manufacturer of first aid kits in the USA. With so many individual pieces, a well-organized interior is crucial, and this kit does not disappoint. It has two compartments with tilting shelves, and the box’s durable plastic is impact resistant. Given its size and the quantity of pieces included, this kit is appropriate for the workplace as well as home, and it’s particularly useful for large family gatherings or visits from grandchildren.

Pros:

Nicely stocked with 326 individual pieces

Useful for the workplace or home

Neatly organized and accessible

Cons:

Plasters do not come in a variety of sizes and are slightly low quality

If you’re considering investing in multiple first aid kits—for home and car, for example—this 2-in-1 kit is a great option. The main pack includes 120 individual items, and the additional mini pack has 32. Though small, this lightweight mini kit includes antiseptic pads, plasters, gauze, and more—and it fits easily in a car or handbag. In a show of confidence from the manufacturer, they offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your kit.

Pros:

Main pack includes essential items plus survival items, such as an emergency blanket

This light, portable first aid kit is extremely organized. Each item is labeled by function, which is ideal in emergency situations. This water-resistant kit is particularly good for hiking or family trips. Plus, you can easily attach it to a belt or another bag. If you have regular prescription medication, you will love the separate zip compartment designed specifically for your own medications.

Pros:

Very well organized and labeled for ease of use, even in difficult circumstances

This is the complete first aid kit. It’s more comprehensive than other personal first aid kits, which means it’s larger than others on this list and includes items for both minor accidents and more serious ones. This kit is popular with first responders—it is most suitable for more experienced users. And it has extra space to add items to suit your preferences.

This impressive first aid kit by Thrive includes 291 pieces, from bandages to burn gel to an emergency blanket. It comes with a first aid guide booklet and a small notebook and pencil. The durable fabric keeps the kit together nicely, and the company offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Pros:

291 items, including a handy first aid guide

Has extra space to add more items

Can be returned for a refund if you are not 100% satisfied

Cons:

Heavy on plasters and bandages, like many first aid kits in this price range

At only one pound, this lightweight kit is perfect for the car, a handbag, or to carry during trips. Despite its compact size, it comes well-equipped to handle a range of minor accidents or ailments. Unlike other kits in its price range, it includes metal tweezers instead of plastic ones—metal is far more effective in the case of a splinter.

Pros:

Light and compact—perfect for traveling or camping

Well-stocked and nicely organized

Includes metal tweezers rather than plastic ones

Cons:

Flimsy compass could be thrown away to make more space for other items

This small, economical option can handle basic ailments or accidents. It contains key items like bandages, instant cold packs, sturdy metal scissors, and antiseptic wipes. Thanks to its small size, it is a popular choice for car trips, traveling, or hiking. And there is extra space to customize your kit.

This small travel kit comes in an attractive and sturdy bag, and it includes a list of the items inside. Although it is compact, its 100 items are good quality. It doesn’t include a first aid guide, but it comes with access to a downloadable video about how to use the kit.

This large first aid kit includes 299 essential first aid items and comes in a soft and portable case. The inclusion of key medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, sets it apart from other similar kits. It also includes standard bandages and dressings. The kit is organized with clear pockets, making it straightforward to use during an emergency.

Pros:

299 essential first aid items

Comes with basic medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

Includes a small first aid guide

Cons:

Includes some medication but is missing antihistamine, which you may want to add

Rounding off our list is another great product from Be Smart Get Prepared. As with the larger version, this kit is well-organized with easy-to-use interior compartments. It is a good option for trips, thanks to the carry handle and removable shoulder strap. Survival essentials like a glow stick, a whistle, and electrolyte tablets make this kit particularly suitable for camping or hiking.

Pros:

Particularly good for outdoor adventures

Not overstuffed with cheap plasters like other first aid kits

Sturdy case with clearly organized internal compartments

Cons:

Small, ineffective scissors—it is worth replacing them with a more professional pair

How to Use a First Aid Kit

You may not appreciate the importance of a first aid kit until an accident happens—and you realize you don’t have one.

What is a first aid kit?

A first aid kit is a pack of essential items for minor accidents and emergencies. In the event of a more serious injury, a first aid kit can be used to provide immediate assistance prior to hospital care. Some first aid kits include extra survival items, which can help keep you safe in a camping or hiking emergency.

How do I use a first aid kit?

A first aid kit is not something you should simply buy, put in the back of a cupboard, and forget about. It is important to become acquainted with the contents of your kit—and how to properly and safely use the items.

Many people keep a large, comprehensive first aid kit at home and buy smaller versions for the car or for a suitcase. Remember to stock your first aid kit with items appropriate to the situation. A first aid kit for hiking won’t be the same as one for your car.

Essential First Aid Kit Items

No matter where you plan to use your first aid kit, it should contain the basics needed to treat minor ailments or accidents.

Basics

A range of plasters

Bandages of different sizes

Sterile gauze dressings

Tip:Keep your kit’s items labeled and organized. During an emergency, you do not want to spend time sifting through a messy box!

Equipment

Tweezers

Scissors

Sterile, disposable gloves

Tip:Some first aid kits include cheap or plastic tweezers, so check your kit to decide if you should replace the included tweezers with a more effective pair.

Choosing the Best First Aid Kit

The importance of finding a well-stocked, organized, and reliable first aid kit cannot be overstated. It is always a good idea to purchase multiple kits—have one at home, keep one in the car, and use one during trips. By keeping a first aid kit on hand at all times, you will be able to respond quickly and effectively to an emergency situation. Don’t wait until an emergency happens and it’s too late. Choose the kit from this list that best fits your life, and be prepared to handle anything.

Jessica Hegg

Also in Resources

Ear thermometers are ideal for those who need to accurately catch changes in body temperature at the earliest stage, allowing them to act fast to prevent illness or the progression of health conditions. Here are our top picks for the best ear thermometers on the market.

If you have carpal tunnel, a wrist brace will relieve the pain in your wrists, fingers, and hands. The best carpal tunnel brace will also support and stabilize the wrist. With a variety of braces available, including ones for daytime and nighttime use, it'll be easy to find the perfect brace to ease your pain. Stop struggling with carpal tunnel symptoms! We’ve selected several amazing braces that will get you the relief you deserve—fast!

The best knee brace for basketball is designed specifically for physical activities. No matter the cause, knee pain doesn’t have to stop you from exercising or joining in on a game. Check out our list of the best knee supports for basketball so you can play the game you love.